Find all School-related info fast with the new School-Specific MBA Forum

 It is currently 24 Sep 2016, 17:21

### GMAT Club Daily Prep

#### Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

# Events & Promotions

###### Events & Promotions in June
Open Detailed Calendar

# The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a

Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Intern
Joined: 01 Sep 2009
Posts: 37
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 68 [4] , given: 0

The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 09:42
4
KUDOS
18
This post was
BOOKMARKED
00:00

Difficulty:

85% (hard)

Question Stats:

45% (02:12) correct 55% (01:28) wrong based on 831 sessions

### HideShow timer Statistics

The average age of chief executive officers (CEO’s) in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. On the basis of those data, it can be concluded that CEO’s in general tend to be older now.

Which of the following casts the most doubt on the conclusion drawn above?

(A) The dates when the CEO’s assumed their current positions have not been specified.
(B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office.
(C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years.
(D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEO’s 20 years ago.
(E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given.
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA

Last edited by Narenn on 30 Oct 2013, 21:25, edited 2 times in total.
Necessary corrections for 'Bumping for review' project
Senior Manager
Affiliations: PMP
Joined: 13 Oct 2009
Posts: 312
Followers: 4

Kudos [?]: 153 [0], given: 37

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 10:18
is it A ?
_________________

Thanks, Sri
-------------------------------
keep uppp...ing the tempo...

Press +1 Kudos, if you think my post gave u a tiny tip

Manager
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Posts: 224
Followers: 3

Kudos [?]: 74 [0], given: 6

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 10:23
This is a good one. I think it should be C. The information is based on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years, is not an accurate representation of the ages of CEOs in general. There might younger companies with younger CEOs. Perhaps CEO's age just corresponds to the age of the company.
Joined: 20 Aug 2009
Posts: 311
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Schools: Stanford (in), Tuck (WL), Wharton (ding), Cornell (in)
Followers: 16

Kudos [?]: 135 [0], given: 69

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 10:45
Agree with (C): General trend means that same should be true for younger companies. but no information is given about them.
Manager
Joined: 13 Nov 2009
Posts: 64
Schools: Columbia(RD-ding w/o int),
Followers: 1

Kudos [?]: 11 [1] , given: 0

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 10:47
1
KUDOS

Even though the sample size is large, the fact that the study only only incorporates companies that have been around for 20+ years. The conclusion then states that " CEO's of companies in general now tend to be older ", but it does not consider companies that have been around for a shorter period of time.
Intern
Joined: 18 Nov 2009
Posts: 23
Location: India
Schools: All options are open
Followers: 1

Kudos [?]: 5 [0], given: 1

### Show Tags

01 Dec 2009, 22:04
I also agree with C.

But what is the correct answer.
Intern
Joined: 01 Sep 2009
Posts: 37
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 68 [0], given: 0

### Show Tags

02 Dec 2009, 06:32
Guys OA is "C" but can you tell me why not "E"?
Manager
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Posts: 224
Followers: 3

Kudos [?]: 74 [1] , given: 6

### Show Tags

02 Dec 2009, 08:35
1
KUDOS
The question states in a large sample the CEO's are on average 8 years older than they were 20 years ago. Because the question already tells you that a large sample is used, knowing the exact number of firms in the survey to determine whether the study is viable or not is not necessary. Also, so what if you know the number of companies that took the survey. That information is useless because you don't know how many firms out of how many considered took the survey. For example, if you know 50 firms took the survey. Is it 50 out of 100 firms or 50 out of 10,000.
Manager
Joined: 17 Aug 2009
Posts: 235
Followers: 5

Kudos [?]: 207 [0], given: 25

### Show Tags

03 Dec 2009, 01:18
Good one.
I picked A initially but then realized it was the generic picture that needed identification
C is correct
Verbal Forum Moderator
Joined: 23 Jul 2010
Posts: 552
GPA: 3.4
WE: General Management (Non-Profit and Government)
Followers: 106

Kudos [?]: 793 [0], given: 297

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

31 Oct 2013, 03:02
3
This post was
BOOKMARKED
Bumping for review and further discussion*.

Theory on Weaken the Argument Questions
Manhattan Gmat
Stacy Manhattan Gmat
Stacy Manhattan Gmat
Mangoosh GMAT
Knewton
e-gmat

Thursdays with Ron video sessions (Weaken and Strengthen questions)

Souvik's Article
Veritas prep

_________________

General Mistakes to Avoid on the GMAT
TOP 10 articles on Time Management on the GMAT
Thanks = Kudos. Kudos are appreciated

Rules for posting on the verbal forum

GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 01 Oct 2013
Posts: 9756
Followers: 837

Kudos [?]: 173 [0], given: 0

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Dec 2014, 07:20
Hello from the GMAT Club VerbalBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
Intern
Joined: 07 Mar 2014
Posts: 4
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 0

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Dec 2014, 07:47
brothers wrote:
The average age of chief executive officers (CEO’s) in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. On the basis of those data, it can be concluded that CEO’s in general tend to be older now.

Which of the following casts the most doubt on the conclusion drawn above?

(A) The dates when the CEO’s assumed their current positions have not been specified.
(B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office.
(C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years.
(D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEO’s 20 years ago.
(E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given.

i don't think that c is correct because there is no information about the operating years of a company...
Manager
Joined: 14 Nov 2014
Posts: 110
Location: United States
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.34
WE: General Management (Aerospace and Defense)
Followers: 1

Kudos [?]: 28 [0], given: 0

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Dec 2014, 09:29
Farid wrote:
brothers wrote:
The average age of chief executive officers (CEO’s) in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. On the basis of those data, it can be concluded that CEO’s in general tend to be older now.

Which of the following casts the most doubt on the conclusion drawn above?

(A) The dates when the CEO’s assumed their current positions have not been specified.
(B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office.
(C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years.
(D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEO’s 20 years ago.
(E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given.

i don't think that c is correct because there is no information about the operating years of a company...

It's an inference you can make. The passage says the average age of CEOs at a large sample of companies is 57. The average age at THOSE SAME COMPANIES 20 years ago was eight years younger. Therefore, the companies have to still exist in order to be surveyed (atleast 20 years old).
Intern
Joined: 17 Sep 2013
Posts: 42
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 7

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Mar 2015, 20:03
The argument concludes that: CEO's in general tend to be older now.
The basis for this claim is that:
1. Avg age of CEO in a large samples of companies is 57.
2. Ava age of CEO in these companies 20 years earlier is 57 -8.

A & B: this does not impact on the CEO avg age currently.
C: These companies have been operating for at least 20yrs. Thus, this cannot represent the general companies. CORRECT.
D: No impact.
E: Not necessary for this number.
SVP
Joined: 17 Jul 2014
Posts: 1708
Location: United States
Schools: Stanford '19
GMAT 1: 550 Q39 V27
GMAT 2: 560 Q42 V26
GMAT 3: 560 Q43 V24
GMAT 4: 650 Q49 V30
GPA: 3.56
WE: General Management (Transportation)
Followers: 14

Kudos [?]: 203 [0], given: 113

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

30 Jan 2016, 18:12
brothers wrote:
The average age of chief executive officers (CEO’s) in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. On the basis of those data, it can be concluded that CEO’s in general tend to be older now.

Which of the following casts the most doubt on the conclusion drawn above?

(A) The dates when the CEO’s assumed their current positions have not been specified.
(B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office.
(C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years.
(D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEO’s 20 years ago.
(E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given.

I got stuck between C and E.

A is out - it is irrelevant
B - irrelevant
C = looks good, we make a generalization based on a limited sample. this is a major flaw.
D - approximate information given - well, tempting, but not. C is more strong.
E - the number of companies in the sample is irrelevant.

C for me
Manager
Joined: 29 Nov 2011
Posts: 118
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 367

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

31 Jan 2016, 00:08
i m confused this is weaken question why are some posts based on inference , to weaken a conclusion we have to add new information and making the assumption false, C cannot be the assumption , In C we are given with the fact that is already stated in question.

Expert please correct me if i am missing anything.
VeritasPrepKarishma
Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Oct 2010
Posts: 6906
Location: Pune, India
Followers: 1984

Kudos [?]: 12335 [1] , given: 221

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink]

### Show Tags

03 Feb 2016, 00:15
1
KUDOS
Expert's post
i m confused this is weaken question why are some posts based on inference , to weaken a conclusion we have to add new information and making the assumption false, C cannot be the assumption , In C we are given with the fact that is already stated in question.

Expert please correct me if i am missing anything.
VeritasPrepKarishma

This is a weaken question. We have to find the conclusion and weaken it.

Premises:

The average age of CEOs in a large sample of companies is 57.
The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger.

Conclusion: CEO’s in general tend to be older now.

Notice what the conclusion says: CEOs IN GENERAL tend to be older now. How can you deduce something about CEOs in general now when you have researched CEOs of only those companies which were in operation 20 yrs ago too. What about all the companies that came up in the last 20 years? What if the CEOs of the younger companies are much younger. Then the conclusion weakens. Option (C) points out this flaw in the reasoning. Hence it weakens the conclusion.
_________________

Karishma
Veritas Prep | GMAT Instructor
My Blog

Get started with Veritas Prep GMAT On Demand for $199 Veritas Prep Reviews Senior Manager Status: Always try to face your worst fear because nothing GOOD comes easy. You must be UNCOMFORTABLE to get to your COMFORT ZONE Joined: 15 Aug 2014 Posts: 376 Concentration: Marketing, Technology GMAT 1: 570 Q44 V25 GMAT 2: 600 Q48 V25 WE: Information Technology (Consulting) Followers: 5 Kudos [?]: 18 [0], given: 461 Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink] ### Show Tags 17 Jun 2016, 03:36 VeritasPrepKarishma wrote: sudhirmadaan wrote: i m confused this is weaken question why are some posts based on inference , to weaken a conclusion we have to add new information and making the assumption false, C cannot be the assumption , In C we are given with the fact that is already stated in question. Expert please correct me if i am missing anything. VeritasPrepKarishma This is a weaken question. We have to find the conclusion and weaken it. Premises: The average age of CEOs in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. Conclusion: CEO’s in general tend to be older now. Notice what the conclusion says: CEOs IN GENERAL tend to be older now. How can you deduce something about CEOs in general now when you have researched CEOs of only those companies which were in operation 20 yrs ago too. What about all the companies that came up in the last 20 years? What if the CEOs of the younger companies are much younger. Then the conclusion weakens. Option (C) points out this flaw in the reasoning. Hence it weakens the conclusion. Hi VeritasPrepKarishma, Can you please explain why option 'B' is incorrect _________________ "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” - Eric Thomas I need to work on timing badly!! Intern Joined: 23 Sep 2015 Posts: 23 Followers: 2 Kudos [?]: 17 [0], given: 9 Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink] ### Show Tags 25 Jun 2016, 11:42 idea - if sample size 20 yrs ago and now is not comparable then this argument will be weaken (A) The dates when the CEO’s assumed their current positions have not been specified. - dates are not going to affect it. (B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office. - avg num of yrs are not concerned for age (C) The information is based only on companies that have been operating for at least 20 years. - this is giving right idea for both samples, as it is concluding that thr is no data for companies older then 20 yrs. (D) Only approximate information is given concerning the average age of the CEO’s 20 years ago. - no sufficient info given for avg age for 20 yrs ago (E) Information concerning the exact number of companies in the sample has not been given. _________________ Thanks! Do give some kudos. Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Posts: 6906 Location: Pune, India Followers: 1984 Kudos [?]: 12335 [0], given: 221 Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a [#permalink] ### Show Tags 26 Jun 2016, 21:44 smartguy595 wrote: VeritasPrepKarishma wrote: sudhirmadaan wrote: i m confused this is weaken question why are some posts based on inference , to weaken a conclusion we have to add new information and making the assumption false, C cannot be the assumption , In C we are given with the fact that is already stated in question. Expert please correct me if i am missing anything. VeritasPrepKarishma This is a weaken question. We have to find the conclusion and weaken it. Premises: The average age of CEOs in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. Conclusion: CEO’s in general tend to be older now. Notice what the conclusion says: CEOs IN GENERAL tend to be older now. How can you deduce something about CEOs in general now when you have researched CEOs of only those companies which were in operation 20 yrs ago too. What about all the companies that came up in the last 20 years? What if the CEOs of the younger companies are much younger. Then the conclusion weakens. Option (C) points out this flaw in the reasoning. Hence it weakens the conclusion. Hi VeritasPrepKarishma, Can you please explain why option 'B' is incorrect Premises: The average age of CEOs in a large sample of companies is 57. The average age of CEO’s in those same companies 20 years ago was approximately eight years younger. Conclusion: CEO’s in general tend to be older now. (B) No information is given concerning the average number of years that CEO’s remain in office. This is irrelevant. Does it matter whether the CEO's remain in office for 10 years or for 2 years? Point is, it doesn't matter whether the 20 companies have the same CEOs that they had 8 yrs ago or they change CEO's every year and have been hiring older CEOs. In any case, in those 20 companies CEOs are older today than they were 8 yrs ago. So option (B) does not weaken the conclusion. _________________ Karishma Veritas Prep | GMAT Instructor My Blog Get started with Veritas Prep GMAT On Demand for$199

Veritas Prep Reviews

Re: The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a   [#permalink] 26 Jun 2016, 21:44

Go to page    1   2    Next  [ 21 posts ]

Similar topics Replies Last post
Similar
Topics:
32 The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a 31 18 Jan 2010, 07:28
20 The average age of chief executive officers in a large 32 19 Apr 2009, 19:28
The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a 15 24 Jul 2008, 10:01
8 The average age of chief executive officers (CEOs) in a 8 04 Jun 2008, 20:28
The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a 14 09 Oct 2006, 10:38
Display posts from previous: Sort by

# The average age of chief executive officers (CEO s) in a

 Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group and phpBB SEO Kindly note that the GMAT® test is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council®, and this site has neither been reviewed nor endorsed by GMAC®.